Wednesday, May 29, 2013

I was tricked once into riding the highest roller coaster at Six Flags, Chicago. I can spin and loop all day long but the high ones terrify me. The park was about to close and it was getting dark. I couldn't see much of the coaster and it was a brand new ride. I had no idea what it would be like. When it was over, I couldn't speak for 15 minutes. I had a few things I wanted to say to the person who had lied about the height of the roller coaster but I was unable to utter a word. If you know me in real life, you know that this does not happen often.

The last few months of this adoption process have been similar to that ride. I was not tricked or lied to but this ride has not been what I thought it would be. I didn't know these last two phases would take so long and for the most part, I have been unable to speak about them. The waiting has been more painful than I expected.

The good news and the reason for this post is to say that it's almost over. The long ride to the highest part of the coaster and the excruciating flight down the other side is over. We have a few more loops and twirls to get through but they are tame compared to the first 18 months of this process.

The boys and I have a week left of school and then I plan to enjoy every single day that we have left as a family of three. The first few weeks (months) of adjustment after Wilson Manno is home will be difficult for all of us and we will need this time together to prepare.

Thank you for all the prayers and thoughts as we have waited through these last couple of steps.

I cannot wait for you all to meet the little boy who has been worth every single moment of this ride.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

We got to meet up with some out of town friends today. Daniel and Erkinesh lived at the same care center for a while and are from the same area of Ethiopia. Besides really liking Sharon, I have a little soft spot for Erkinesh and Sharon is kind enough to let me spend a few minutes with her when they are in town. (I try very hard to keep my distance and not scare her. It takes a lot of willpower, though.)We went to a park that has a little bit of everything for each age group. My boys are finally old enough to ride the zipline and still like the sandbox and regular playground.

On the pirate ship (merry-go-round)

Of course, he has food in his hands.

Seth was hanging with us for part of the weekend. We love him.

Andrew and Erkinesh--a race to the top. (I'm pretty sure Erkinesh was already on her way back down.)

Ezra asked me to take a picture of him at the top. He was a fast climber!

Andrew kept climbing up and down the rock to bring Asrat more carrots.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

The boys had open house tonight at school. Andrew had a plan and a map in his head of everywhere we were going to go. Each classroom had a mini scavenger hunt for the kids to complete with their parents so they would be sure to see everything in the room. Evening activities are still hard for us but this one went well.

Andrew was super excited to show us the chicks in his classroom. They hatched from eggs and the kids got to watch the first one hatch. He comes home every day with stories about them.

One of the garden bulletin boards made by kindergarten. Andrew's butterfly is at the top of the screen above his head.

A close-up of his butterfly.

Daniel was very shy when we visited his class. He pointed to everything quickly and would not let me take his picture inside of the room. He did agree to some pictures in the hallway while he stood next to his art projects.Posing with his gorgeous butterfly. (above his head)

Daniel made the horse to the right. The head is made from a tracing of his foot. So cute.

My TpT Store

Customized Art Fundraiser

Want a personalized piece of art for your child, your family or a friend? Check these out. I will personalize it to your specifications and then email you the. jpg to print as many times and as many ways as you wish. These looks great printed and framed, printed on a canvas or used to make gifts.
Prices are listed under the pictures. If interested, please email me at:
ruthannefocht at gmail dot com.
All proceeds go toward bringing Manno home to our family!
Thanks,
Ruthanne

Photo Name Prints

Your child's photo with his/her name in three tones of grayscale. $30 for a 16x20 digital image (.jpg) to be printed or used any way you would like.

Superhero brothers

8x10 Superhero/brother print. Your choice of colors. Can also substitute 'sister' for 'brother'. 7.50 as is (printed and shipped) 8.50 with changes to colors. (printed and shipped)

Superhero prints

5x7 superhero bath prints. 7.50--printed and shipped you choose the background color ($12 for the set of two) can be sized to 8x10

Monogram Print

Customized monogram art. You choose colors and monogram/name. $10 for 8x10 digital image (.jpg) to be used as many times as you would like.

Monogram Print

Customized monogram art. You choose colors, monogram/name and country outline. $10 for 8x10 digital image (.jpg) to be used as many times as you would like.

Monogram Print

Customized monogram art. You choose colors and monogram/name. $10 for 8x10 digital image (.jpg) to be used as many times as you would like.